Private school for dyslexic child

[FreyaStratfordStar]

DS is nearly 8 and is about to have an EP assessment at school and we think he's probably dyslexic. I am starting to think ahead to secondary schools and am wondering if a private school, with smaller classes, would be a good idea for him. Are there any non- selective or schools who will take dyslexic students? Would he pass an entrance exam is my main worry. We are near Esher / Cobham in Surrey. Any advice would be greatly appreciated x

Both the schools my DC went/go to have dyslexic students (both are selective too). Obviously I have no idea how dyslexic they are.

You would need to get the report and then ask specific questions when you go to look at the schools.

Moon Hall is a specialist dyslexia private school in Dorking. They might be worth a look.

Depends on the severity in our experience. Mild to moderate dyslexia is much better catered in private school and severe in a state school with good Sen department. There is pretty much no funding for mild Sen so it's hard to get any help in state for mild dyslexia.

Thanks for the replies. It's difficult to say yet I think how severe he is, he definitely making slow progress. Finding it hard to think what will be the best path for him.

I think take it easy. He is still young and has many years of possible support to have. It is only once you know how severe it is and than how he is reacting to the support that you can look at what's best. It is a game of trial and error I'm afraid and there are lots of kids at his age that are NT and are struggling to read and do maths. Remember that in most places on earth kids would only just be starting to read and write.

Not all independent schools are academically selective. At our DC Prep School there are many kids who benefit from extra assistance (due to dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, mutism etc) and the school have a fantastic learning support department. The children go on to a variety of independent secondaries which also seem able to cater for their needs.

More House in Frensham

Dyslexia and intelligence are not inversely related and extremely selective schools will have children there who are very bright but happen to have dyslexia.

what I am clumsily trying to say is that a diagnosis of dyslexia does not make selective schools not an option.

It depends on the provision. My fanily looked at private schools but in the end I got support in mainstream. (1-1 for 45mins a couple of times a wk, or someties 2-1 plussd class room support with same specialist teacher from 9-16. What I got was rare. But I wouldn,t have got it t all unless my parents pushed for it.

Not sure if it is near you, but Kingswood Hill is crested for dyslexia

Kingswood House I meant sorry

The key is to build confidence. The early years for a dyslexic child is a nightmare (sorry) with the 3 Rs, as they learn in a different way and it feels as though they are constantly behind as they can't quickly memorise a timestable! It doesn't mean that they can't access the curriculum or excel. They just need to work out their method of learning. If you can afford the change and can afford to get a proper report done, then it allows you to understand how to help. Dyslexia involves processing issues, so smaller 'streamed' class sizes are key for confidence (it isn't something you can tutor i.e it doesn't go away! ) it is constant. In a state school class size of 30, this is tricky, as their confidence takes a battering and they don't follow things half the time.

We moved DS in year 3 , in the same area , from a state to an independent school and haven't looked back. He has grown in confidence, excels in certain subjects, enjoys school and wants to learn. The key is to find the right school that suits your child ( it doesn't have to be dyslexia specific). There are a lot of good prep schools in your area that are non selective ( Downsend, Danes, Parkside, Feltonfleet to name a few). The key is to find the right fit and support. Personally, I would look at a school that goes to 13+ (reducing the 11+ stress), has a diverse offering of activities , has a SEN department and sets Maths and English .. ...looking at the numbers in a class in the lower sets.